Rubberwood (Pará Rubber Tree)
Hevea brasiliensis · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to the Amazon basin (Brazil), but commercially grown extensively on plantations throughout Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
- Hardness
- 960 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable. Highly susceptible to fungal decay, sapstain, and insect attack if untreated.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a medium texture. Characterized by prominent, short dark brown vessel lines (pores) visible on the tangential/longitudinal faces.
Color & Appearance
Pale blonde to light cream or yellowish-tan, often uniform. Sapwood is not clearly demarcated from heartwood. Tends to darken slightly to a warm golden tone with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
960 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable. Highly susceptible to fungal decay, sapstain, and insect attack if untreated.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 - $5.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled sample from plantation timber, typically harvested from trees aged 25–30 years after latex production declines.
- Sustainability Status
- Highly sustainable eco-friendly wood (IUCN Least Concern, FSC certified available); harvested as a byproduct of natural rubber latex production.
Common Uses
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture, interior furniture framing, cabinetry, children's toys, butcher blocks, cutting boards, and molded plywood/wood veneer.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon basin (Brazil), but commercially grown extensively on plantations throughout Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Workability
Easy to machine, cut, plane, and sand. Glues very well and holds screws and nails firmly. Minor tearout can occur on interlocked areas if cutters are dull.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, oils, lacquers, and polyurethane finishes extremely well. Applying a pore filler beforehand is recommended if a glass-smooth finish is desired.
Notable Features
Distinctive short dark pore slits; low density for a hardwood; mild latex/sweet scent when freshly cut; prone to sapstain discoloration if not properly dried.
